Essex move closer to title by winning grim struggle

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Essex moved a decisive step closer to their first one-day league title for 20 years with victory over their only real rivals for the totesport League title. But this was hardly the mouthwatering showdown the Southend festival crowd had been expecting, with neither side playing like potential champions.

There is no reason why a low-scoring game should be dull, but this match lacked sparkle. Even the final over, bowled by Darren Gough with Essex needing only one wicket and Middlesex 13 runs, lacked any real tension.